Butterfield returns to original project

Wednesday, December 28, 2011By Lindsay Reed

The Butterfield City Council voted to continue its original water improvement project during a special meeting held on Nov. 29.

In April of 2010, Simmons Engineering presented the aldermen with various plans for water system improvements. The council asked Simmons to develop a plan that would call for the construction of a new well, the replacement of smaller water lines and the repair of streets along the routes of the line replacement.

The council selected a water plan that included the installation of a dedicated line and generator instead of a standpipe and a system-wide upgrade to six-inch water mains in May of 2010. The project was estimated to cost $1,421,540.

This fall, the aldermen voted to turn down a USDA loan in the amount of $378,000 and a grant for $572,000 for the water improvement project. Instead, the council voted to move forward with a self-funded well project.

On Nov. 29, Bruce Hively, of USDA, addressed the council regarding the water improvement project. Hively informed the aldermen that he submitted a lease purchase consent form to the USDA office and learned that the city cannot enter into a lease purchase agreement unless it pays off or refinances the $550,000 wastewater loan that was previously provided to the city by USDA.

After learning about the restrictions in obtaining additional financing for the new well, the aldermen voted to continue with the original large water improvement project.

The city is awaiting information on a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that will used to pay for the remainder of the project.

In other business, the Butterfield City Council:

* Voted to pay $2,079.85 to Simmons Engineering, of Republic.

* Approved the purchase of office supplies and an application for public notary.

* Heard that Environline conducted the city's bi-annual maintenance.

* Approved the October wastewater and water reports.

* Appointed Tracy Anders as city clerk and Anna Marie Erwin as city treasurer.